Ryno: A Hall of Fame athlete and human being

I was deeply saddened by the death of Ryne Sandberg. It affected me deeply because, working at Wrigley Field as a hot dog vendor, I saw him on many occasions sitting behind home plate enjoying the games.

One day, I overcame my shyness to tell him just how wonderful a ballplayer I thought he was. I also told him that I appreciated the tenacity and intensity with which he played the game and that I thought him to be among the greatest second basemen of all time. He thanked me and told me that he considered the players of today great also.

I was moved by his humility. There I was, a sweaty vendor selling hot dogs, and yet he spoke to me as an equal. I will always remember my brief interaction with Ryne Sandberg because of how down-to-earth he was.

We all know that Ryno was a Hall of Fame ballplayer, but few people can truly appreciate that Ryno was also a Hall of Fame human being too.

Antonio Acevedo, West Town

MAGA isn’t Christlike

I was shocked to read that almost 50% of Catholic priests have contributed to, and/or are affiliated with the Republican Party. What religious leaders, who have chosen to follow Christ's teachings and guide their flock in living and practicing "love and forgiveness," could support a party that preys on the poor, infirm and helpless by taking away basic health care, food, shelter and human dignity? Have they thought about what they will say to defend their actions when they stand before God on Judgment Day?

Virginia Wiliamson, Frankfort

Bucks for big bangs: Legalize fireworks

It's now almost a month since the Fourth of July, and I'm still hearing fireworks here on the North Side. On the Fourth of July the sky was filled with fireworks, and it's hard for me to even imagine how much sales tax money was lost to the state and city via fireworks bought online and from nearby states where fireworks are legally sold. It's also hard to imagine anyone interested not being able to obtain them from those who "import" them from nearby states for illegal resale here. So why not legalize fireworks along with strict regulations of where and how they can be sold in Illinois, so as to not pass up the taxes that would be collected? Seems silly not to.

Bruce Eli Mosbacher, West Rogers Park

Golf goof

A video circulating on social media supposedly shows Donald Trump cheating on his golf course in Scotland.  But those familiar with the game understand that this is simply part of his handicap. His course. His rules.

Dan McGuire, Bensenville